ZMIME
Image model comparison · 2 models · Updated Nov 2, 2026

FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] vs Qwen-Image

Preferred for text to image: Qwen-Image · Newest: Qwen-Image · Widest inputs: FLUX.1 Kontext [dev]. Quality scores are blind human-preference votes; specs and prices come from each lab’s listings.

  1. Black Forest Labs

    FLUX.1 Kontext [dev]

    Released May 29, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,151
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove FLUX.1 Kontext [dev]

  2. Alibaba (Qwen)

    Qwen-Image

    Released Aug 7, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Arena1,057
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove Qwen-Image

  3. Add a model

    Make it a three-way comparison.

01 — At a glance

Where they differ

Quality is the arena score from blind, side-by-side human votes. Price, length and resolution come from each lab’s own listings.

  • Preferred for text to imageQwen-ImageFLUX.1 Kontext [dev] 942 (#80) · Qwen-Image 1,057 (#66) — blind human votes
  • NewestQwen-ImageFLUX.1 Kontext [dev] May 29, 2025 · Qwen-Image Aug 7, 2025
  • Widest inputsFLUX.1 Kontext [dev]FLUX.1 Kontext [dev]: Text prompts, Reference images · Qwen-Image: Text prompts
  • Image editingFLUX.1 Kontext [dev]Takes a reference image as input: FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] yes · Qwen-Image no
  • Self-hostingFLUX.1 Kontext [dev]Downloadable weights (FLUX.1 [dev] Non-Commercial License)
  • Most API hostsSame reachFLUX.1 Kontext [dev]: 1 · Qwen-Image: 1
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] vs Qwen-Image specifications side by side
SpecificationFLUX.1 Kontext [dev]Black Forest LabsQwen-ImageAlibaba (Qwen)
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better942 ±4#80 of 82 · 216,222 votes1,057 ±3#66 of 82 · 84,534 votes (best)
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,151 ±3#55 of 61 · 3,639,663 votes—
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesNo
Access
WeightsOpenFLUX.1 [dev] Non-Commercial LicenseProprietary
API hosts11
ReleasedMay 29, 2025Aug 7, 2025
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

Which is better, FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] or Qwen-Image?

For text to image, voters prefer Qwen-Image (FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] 942 (#80) · Qwen-Image 1,057 (#66)). Arena scores come from blind, side-by-side human votes on the same prompts; when the gap is inside both models’ error margins we call it a tie. Test your own prompts before you commit.

What is the difference between FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] and Qwen-Image?

FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] is an image model from Black Forest Labs (May 29, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. Qwen-Image is an image model from Alibaba (Qwen) (Aug 7, 2025), taking text prompts and producing images.

Which is newer?

FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] May 29, 2025; Qwen-Image Aug 7, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

Takes a reference image as input: FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] yes; Qwen-Image no.

Can I run any of these on my own hardware?

FLUX.1 Kontext [dev]. Downloadable weights (FLUX.1 [dev] Non-Commercial License).

04 — Keep comparing

Related comparisons